Earn your Master of Education in Reading from BHSU.

The K-12 Reading Specialist program is now delivered within a Master of Education in Reading. The 35-credit program emphasizes professional practice in the field of reading and addresses all International Reading Association standards for reading specialists and literacy coaches. This completely online master’s program in reading meets South Dakota's standards to prepare reading specialists.

To meet national standards and give our students a competitive edge, the M.Ed in reading program focuses on comprehensive clinical components. These components encourage closer collaboration with partner school districts and facilitate additional application of student learning. As part of this program, you will be prepared to address the literacy needs of elementary, middle, and high school populations, as well as for leadership roles.

School districts are in need of exemplary reading teachers, school and district reading specialists, or literacy coaches. The US Department of Education and TEACH Grant have designated reading specialist as a high-need field.

What are the responsibilities of a reading specialist?

A reading specialist collaboratively supports exemplary classroom teaching in literacy, assesses reading strengths and needs of students as needed and communicates the information to fellow teachers, and serves as a resource to stakeholders.

Teachers who add the reading specialist designation to their teaching certificates often remain in regular classrooms, but their own students benefit from their added expertise in the area of reading. Dr. Tim Creal, Superintendent of Custer School District, states "The role of reading specialists is very important. But most school districts in South Dakota can't afford to fund reading specialist positions. This makes it even more important for as many regular classroom teachers as possible to get the advanced preparation in reading so they can meet the literacy needs of their students." The M.Ed in reading program from BHSU meets this need.

Apply today to start earning your Master of Education in Reading, a professional master's degree emphasizing enhanced professional practice and leadership.